The IMO Secretary-General has called on member states to support efforts to address the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, where around 20,000 seafarers remain trapped and unable to leave. The situation is further complicated by the presence of potential mines throughout the strait and threats of further attacks on ships.
In an informal briefing, Dominguez confirmed that several vessels had been seized and detained in the region over the past few days. He urged maximum caution and emphasized the need for a safe transit route through the Strait.
The IMO has verified 29 attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the conflict, resulting in the death of at least 10 seafarers and damage to the vessels. This highlights the severity of the crisis and the need for urgent action.
With the conflict now in its eighth week, Dominguez warned that supplies on ships stuck in the Persian Gulf - including water, food and fuel - will start running short. The IMO is working with member states and partners on an evacuation plan for seafarers, ready to implement once it is safe to do so.
The evacuation plan includes compiling a list of affected vessels and prioritizing them based on humanitarian needs. However, all parties involved in the conflict would need to agree to refrain from attacks on maritime assets during the operation.
Dominguez also called for coordination among flag states, shipowners and operators to use the internationally recognized traffic separation scheme (TSS) as an evacuation corridor, once safety guarantees are in place. This is crucial for ensuring a safe passage through the Strait.
The TSS, adopted by the IMO in 1968, remains the only recognized route through the Strait. Dominguez underscored the importance of this route and urged all parties to adhere to it during the evacuation process.
The IMO will continue to engage with Iran and Oman, which have been coordinating transit operations in the corridor. France and other countries have also offered support for the evacuation process.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how effective the evacuation plan will be in resolving the crisis and ensuring the safe passage of seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation is dire for seafarers stranded in the Gulf, with limited supplies and mental health concerns.
